How To Get Scratches Out Of Sunglasses

A classic and effective DIY solution, a baking soda and water paste can help reduce the appearance of light scratches on sunglasses lenses—especially plastic ones. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that can buff out surface marks without damaging the lens coating.

How to use:

a. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a thick paste.

b. Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently rub the paste over the scratched area using circular motions for 10–20 seconds.

c. Rinse with cold water and dry with another clean microfiber cloth.

Note: Be careful not to rub too hard, as over-polishing may worsen the damage. This method works best for minor scuffs, not deep scratches.

A gentle and accessible option for surface-level scratches, liquid dish soap, especially the non-abrasive kind, can clean dirt and buff away tiny imperfections.

How to use:

a. Apply a small drop of mild, non-citrus dish soap to each lens.

b. Rinse under lukewarm water, gently massaging the lenses with your fingers.

c. Dry with a soft microfiber cloth in circular motions.

d. For a portable solution, mix soap with water in a small spray bottle to use as a DIY sunglass cleaning spray.

Tip: Never use paper towels or tissues to dry lenses, they can cause micro-scratches over time.

If your sunglasses have plastic lenses, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can help remove light surface scratches and restore clarity.

How to use:

a. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts baking soda to form a thick paste.

b. Gently apply the paste to your lenses using your fingertips or a soft cotton ball.

c. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing under lukewarm water.

d. Pat dry with a clean microfiber cloth using circular motions.

Note: This method is best suited for plastic lenses—not recommended for specialty coatings or glass lenses.

Eyeglass cleaning sprays are specifically formulated to clean lenses safely and effectively. While they won’t remove deep scratches, they can help diminish the appearance of light scuffs and improve clarity.

How to use:

a. Choose a spray designed for eyeglasses that is ammonia-free and safe for coated lenses.

b. Apply 1–2 spritzes to each lens.

c. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth, using small circular motions.

d. Repeat daily to maintain clarity and reduce the appearance of surface marks.

This method is also a great preventative measure for maintaining lens quality and can be combined with other cleaning hacks for best results.

Baby shampoos and washes are formulated to be exceptionally gentle, making them a smart choice for cleaning lightly scratched sunglasses without stripping coatings.

How to use:

a. Apply a small amount of mild baby shampoo to both lenses.

b. Rinse under lukewarm water to remove any residue.

c. Dry gently using a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions.

This method softens debris without excessive abrasion, allowing you to clean scratches gently. For more recommendations on caring for coated lenses and maintaining optical integrity, it's valuable to refer to guidance from eye care professionals. Always use minimal, gentle solutions, like mild soap and water, rather than abrasive home remedies that might damage lens treatments over time

While rubbing alcohol shouldn’t be applied directly to sunglass lenses, especially coated ones, it can be useful when diluted and combined with a non-abrasive base like baking soda.

How to use:

a. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a small container.

b. Add a pinch of baking soda to create a light, spreadable paste.

c. Apply gently to the scratched lens using a microfiber cloth and soft, circular motions.

d. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.

This method works well for removing smudges and shallow scratches. Using alcohol-based solutions cautiously can aid in cleaning lenses without affecting protective coatings, provided they are properly diluted and non-abrasive.

A classic home remedy for sunglasses scratch repair, toothpaste can act as a gentle abrasive to polish out light surface scratches. However, it’s important to use a non-gel, non-whitening, and non-microbead toothpaste; abrasive formulas can worsen the damage.

How to use:

a. Dab a small amount of plain white toothpaste onto the scratched area.

b. Using a microfiber cloth or a cotton ball, gently rub in circular motions for 15–30 seconds.

c. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all residue.

d. Repeat 2–3 times if necessary, ensuring no build-up is left behind.

While this method is a popular DIY sunglasses scratch remover, it’s best reserved for small scratches and should be tested on a minor area first. Always rinse thoroughly to avoid foggy buildup on lenses or coatings.

Brass or metal polish can sometimes buff out superficial scratches, but it must be acetone-free and used with caution. Acetone can damage lens coatings or plastics, so double-check ingredients before applying anything to your sunglasses.

How to use:

a. Apply a very small amount of brass polish to a soft microfiber cloth.

b. Rub the scratched area using gentle, circular motions for 10–20 seconds.

c. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.

This technique can minimize the appearance of scratches on plastic sunglasses lenses but should be avoided on high-end, coated, or prescription lenses. When in doubt, consult your optician.

Another unconventional but sometimes effective sunglasses scratch remover is car wax. Like metal polish, it can help reduce visibility of light scratches by filling them temporarily, though it won’t remove them entirely.

How to use:

a. Dab a small amount of car wax onto a soft, clean microfiber cloth.

b. Buff the scratched area with light pressure in circular motions.

c. Wipe away any excess wax and check visibility. Repeat if needed.

Only use this method for shallow scratches, and never on lenses with special coatings or anti-reflective treatments, as wax can create cloudy residue or permanent damage.

When home remedies aren’t enough, a scratch removal kit specifically designed for sunglasses or eyeglasses can be the most reliable option. These kits often contain a gentle abrasive paste and polishing pads that are safe for optical lenses.

How to use:

a. Follow the instructions provided in the kit closely.

b. Usually involves applying a small amount of compound, polishing the lens, and cleaning off the residue.

c. Depending on severity, more than one application may be needed.

These kits are available at optical stores or online, and they’re often recommended by optometrists as a safe step before considering replacement. For persistent or deep lens damage, consult an eye care professional or consider replacing your sunglasses with a high-quality pair from our  sunglasses collection.

Deep scratches are difficult to remove entirely. While some DIY methods like diluted alcohol or scratch removal kits can reduce their appearance, significant damage often requires professional repair or replacement.

Yes, if the toothpaste is too abrasive or contains microbeads, it can strip anti-reflective or UV coatings. Always choose a plain white, non-gel toothpaste and test on a small area first.

Baking soda is generally safe for plastic lenses, but avoid abrasive scrubbing if your sunglasses have polarization or special coatings. Always use gentle pressure and rinse thoroughly.

Use a gentle, ammonia-free cleaning spray or a mix of water and mild dish soap. Always dry with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid micro-scratches. For long-term care, refer to our Prescription Glasses Care Guide.

Yes, sunglasses with scratch-resistant coatings offer added durability. While not scratch-proof, they reduce everyday wear-and-tear and extend the lifespan of your lenses.

Knowing how to remove scratches from sunglasses can save you time, money, and frustration. While some scratches may be beyond repair, many can be minimized using common household items or specialized kits. Remember to always use non-abrasive materials, gentle pressure, and test on small areas first to protect your lenses.

For long-lasting quality, invest in durable, high-quality eyewear designed to resist scratches from the start. Explore our wide range of handcrafted, scratch-resistant options in the  Kraywoods Sunglasses Collection for stylish, high-performance frames built to last.